Luther Shelby Durham

Luther Shelby was a loving and giving husband of Carolyn Stevens Durham for 53 years. He was also the wonderful daddy to four children, Cynthia D. Elsheimer and husband Bruce of the Clayton, Gregory K. Durham and wife Karen of Clayton, Jeffery N. Durham, a Franciscan Friar in Oakland, CA, and Elizabeth D. Wise and husband Tony of Clayton. Shelby was also a “Great” grandpa of five grandchildren, Bethany Durham, Tanner Durham, David Elsheimer, Kaylin Wise, and Colton Wise.

Luther Shelby was a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed American Veterans. He was also a member of Bethesda Baptist Church all of his adult life, in which he had served as a Deacon and Youth Director.

Shelby was the son of the late Hunter and Pearl Ellis Durham. He was also preceded in death by five brothers: Hunter, Jr., William “Cub” David, Henry Coye, Harold Gene, and Donald Gray Durham. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Shelby is survived by two brothers, Billy W. Durham of Garner and Larry N. Durham of Clayton. Shelby had a special buddy, his dog named ChiChi.

Shelby loved fishing at Harkers Island, NC and also woodworking. As a carpenter, he did trim work, but as his health began to decline, he used to sit and whittle wood with one of the many knives that he collected.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 8th from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 9th at 2:00 P.M. at Bethesda Baptist Church, 4967 US Hwy 70 West, Clayton, NC with Rev. Gary Burden officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com